Aston Martin Owners Club Tour of the Italian Lakes
3 - 10 October 2027
Join this exclusive seven-night AMOC tour of the beautiful Italian Lakes, hosted by Italian specialists, Paul & Sally Stratton. Paul and Sally both speak fluent Italian and have been living in and working all over Italy, especially in the Lakes region, for the last 35 years.
This exquisite journey includes two nights on elegant Lake Maggiore, two nights in the well-kept secret of the Imagna Valley and three nights on stunning Lake Garda with breathtaking views across the lake and surrounded by lush greenery.
For a true taste of Italy, every evening indulge in the delights of regional Italian cuisine. That’s not all, enjoy a couple of special lunch stops, an authentic pasta-making class, and a delicious wine tasting.
We have also selected four organised runs for you to enjoy the very best of the lakeland scenery and surrounding areas.
Lake Maggiore, which straddles both Italy and Switzerland, is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The lakeside town of Stresa, known for its exotic greenery and genteel atmosphere, with its tree-lined piazzas and decadent buildings, serves as the perfect base for exploration and is very much the jewel in the crown of this aristocratic lake.
The Imagna Valley, a lush green oasis relatively untouched by tourism, lies nestled between the sparkling Lakes of Como and Iseo, offering a tranquil rural retreat and a truly immersive experience of the real and authentic Italy.
Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, has inspired poets and artists for centuries with its crystalline waters, charming harbour towns, picturesque vineyards and dramatic landscapes. Our base is the unique Villa Arcadio, a beautiful Tuscan style estate boasting amazing views over Salo and the Lake.
Relax and immerse yourself in the quintessential beauty and culture of the Italian Lakes on this unforgettable tour.
Price
(price based on 2 people sharing a room)
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking
£3399 per person
What's Included
Two nights at the 4*Hotel la Palma, Stresa, Lake Maggiore
Two nights at the 4*Miramonti Hotel, Rota d'Imagna
Three Nights at 4* Villa Arcadio, Salo, Lake Garda
Welcome drink on the first night of each hotel
Farewell drinks on last night of tour
Breakfast each morning at the hotels
Dinner each evening at the hotels – including wine
Two special lunch stops
Pasta making lesson on 1 day
4 organised runs
Detailed Road Book
Use of Tourboss, an electronic navigational route app
Commemorative Tour Rally Plate
Services of a Backwater Tours Representative throughout the tour
What's Not Included
Travel to and from UK
Car transportation
Itinerary
Sunday 3 October
Arrival day on Lake Maggiore at the extremely comfortable 4*Hotel La Palma in Stresa, which is located on Stresa’s elegant lakeside promenade and just a short walk into the lively town centre. Enjoy welcome evening drinks in the hotel’s amazing top floor 'Skybar' with stunning views of the lake and Borromeo slands and a tour briefing by your tour hosts. Followed by dinner.
Monday 4 October
Today we enjoy the leisurely and scenic 'Orta San Guilio' run – driving over verdant hills to tranquil Lake Orta and its unique medieval capital - followed by a special lunch included on the lakeside terraces of Hotel Giardinetto, which is located directly on the water. This evening, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel’s stylish restaurant, again with wonderful views of the lake.
Tuesday 5 October
After breakfast the group check out and head out on a scenic drive alongside Lake Maggiore and the south side of the Alps before crossing to Lake Lugano for another lakeside drive with breathtaking views. Afterwards, we take the car ferry across Lake Como with fabulous views of the Bellagio peninsula and the surrounding mountains followed by another superb lakeside drive along its shoreline to take us eastwards and into the glorious greenery of Imagna Valley and to arrive at the 4*Miramonti Hotel. You are assured of a warm welcome at this lovely family run property, which really does reflect the true Italy. This evening we enjoy a welcome drink with Giampiero, the owner, followed by an excellent meal at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, boasting local delicacies.
Wednesday 6 October
After a relaxing and sumptuous breakfast on the hotel’s terrace today we delight in the 'Val Taleggio' run (famous for ‘Taleggio’ cheese) which takes us through some incredible landscapes and rolling green hills all the way to San Pellegrino Terme, a spa town known for its enchanting Art Nouveau buildings and famous mineral waters.
In the afternoon, after a stop at the jaw dropping Cornabusa Sanctuary (a kind of church built into the cliffs) the group enjoy a delicious pasta making lesson in the Miramonti’s kitchen with Giampiero and mamma! There is also time to enjoy and relax in the hotel’s intimate spa which affords breathtaking views across the Imagna Valley. A special dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Thursday 7 October
We check out of the Miramonti Hotel today and head across to the largest lake in the region, Lake Garda. A fabulous drive takes us through the unspoilt hills and winding passes of Lombardy down to the pretty and lesser- known lake of Iseo. Hugging Iseo’s spectacular west coast we continue towards the ancient city of Brescia with its charming piazzas and where the group can have an optional visit of the famous Mille Miglia Museum.
Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner at the 4*Hotel Villa Arcadio, overlooking Lake Garda and the rooftops of Salo, perhaps the most attractive of all lake Garda towns. Villa Arcadio is a rare treat around Lake Garda’s shores, being the kind of property you would usually find somewhere like Tuscany, full of charm and character, coupled with high end cuisine and excellent wines.
Friday 8 October
After a relaxing breakfast at the idyllic Villa Arcadio today we embark on the ‘Valtenesi’ run – which takes us through this lesser-known area behind Lake Garda – brimming with vineyards and olive groves there’s no wonder it’s referred to as the ‘Tuscany of Lake Garda’. Driving through little villages we head behind the lake into the Valleys of Solferino and San Martino, where the bloody wars of independence between the Italians and the Austrians took place in the late 1800’s and the Red Cross was born. After a coffee stop at a local’ agriturismo’ we continue onto a beautiful and aristocratic wine estate for a short tour and some lunch.
This afternoon there is some time to relax and enjoy your base at the lovely Villa Arcadio or pop down to stylish Salo to stroll along Lake Garda’s longest pedestrianised lakefront promenade with its elegant shops, bars and lakeside cafes.
Dinner included at the hotel this evening with panoramic views.
Saturday 9 October
Today is a fantastic drive, scenic and varied, and taking in nothing less than three lakes! After breakfast we head up the infamous ‘Gardesana’ - Lake Garda’s west coast drive – boasting fabulous views across the water and passing the ‘Quantum of Solace’ locations.
At Riva del Garda we then head west onto scenic and unspoilt Lake Ledro- perhaps the ideal spot for a coffee - we then run parallel to Garda which takes us down to Lake Idro before turning left and enjoying the climb over the national park of Gardesana. Our final descent takes us from the mountains back down to the delightful lakeside resort of Gargnano on Garda’s west coast.
Arriving back in Salo we have time to relax at our hotel before indulging in some ‘farewell’ drinks and a sumptuous evening meal.
Sunday 10 October
After breakfast the group check out and continue their journey.